promise that began in mid February with the words, “This summer I am definitely going to….” all the while wondering where any number of summer items have escaped to over the winter (“What’s become of the Bocce set?” “There’s only one oar. How can there be only one oar?”). Downtown Newaygo has always been known for throwing a proper celebration for summer’s onset and this year the...  ...River Country Chamber’s Arts and Crafts Festival will see over 80 vendors plying their wares in Brooks Park beginning Friday at 11am and running until 7pm. Saturday and Sunday the booths will be open from 11am-5pm.
This annual event, sponsored by Gerber Federal Credit Union and Spectrum Health Gerber Memorial draws artisans and crafters from throughout the state and always provides festival-goers ample opportunities for fun items with an emphasis on uniqueness. From hats and sweatshirts, to hand crafted baby and toddler accessories to photographers and furniture makers the show always features a combination of old favorites and new surprises. New to the celebration this year is the Children’s Carnival with Clark’s Attractions out of Ionia bringing in rides and inflatable’s geared toward the 12 and under crowd. “These are safe rides that are certified by the state of Michigan and inspected daily,” said Chamber Executive Director Colleen Lynema. “The games are family-friendly and players receive a prize every time.” You can purchase tickets or a wrist band for $10 that provides unlimited rides per day. A 2 day wrist band for Saturday and Sunday is also available for $15. The carnival will be open Friday from 11am-7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-5pm. Across the street at 48 Justice there will be art populating the grounds of Elizabeth Halsey Boutique. The eight artists set up on the EH lawn have been jury selected and range from mixed media local paintings to national artists as well as a bit of hand crafted jewelry according to store owner Dawn Campbell. “This is our first year and we’re hoping it will take off,” said Ms. Campbell. If you have never visited the Newaygo County Museum and Heritage Center we highly recommend you take some time to saunter through a series of compelling exhibits they have created in a very kid-friendly atmosphere If you’ve been there before but have yet to see the Gangsters and Bootlegger exhibit be sure to experience this well crafted display of one of our country’s most interesting eras and how it touched this region. They are conveniently located across from the park and admission is free- though donations are always such a nice gesture and the reason behind the free admission. A day in the park is going to require some sustenance but never fear, a number of local favorites will be available for your gastronomical pleasure including Two Hot Tamales, Shake It Up BBQ, Kettle Korn and Roasted Almonds. If you’re looking for further bargains take a stroll down the street and you’ll find sidewalk sales galore as local merchants strut out their stuff to give passer-by an up close look at what they have to offer. Make it a point to pick up a copy of River Country’s Event Guide and Coupon Book containing savings to be had throughout our area and a schedule of the bevy of upcoming events that the Chamber helps to put on. These handy money savers are available almost everywhere but certainly at any of the Chamber businesses. This is it folks. Summer has arisen and there are some good times coming so let’s start the season with some good times in downtown Newaygo. Comments are closed.
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September 2024
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